Award-winning result

Focus breathes new life into campus restaurant to create a contemporary dining area.

Fitout Construction

Griffith University's Southport campus restaurant was in a state of major disrepair. No longer operational, the existing ceiling was collapsing and parts of the building required significant structural work.

Architect David Toohey engaged Focus to help rejuvenate the space and create a functional, modern restaurant for the busy campus. The major renovation included a fully equipped kitchen, a large dining area and a high-quality sound-proofed staff room.

A movable outdoor kitchen was also part of the project scope. This independent structure, which had to complement the overall design concept, considerably increased the restaurant's serving capacity. It needed to be easily relocatable to accommodate functions and seating configurations.

Fitout Logistics

Focus assembled an experienced team of sub-contractors to complete the refurbishment in just five weeks. The work took place during the university term, which posed some challenges. Focus had to adhere to strict university guidelines regarding access, parking regulations, timeframes, and the shutting down of university services, as well as being mindful of noise constraints during exam time. The position of the restaurant in a main thoroughfare also meant that no external work could be undertaken during peak student movement times.

Focus was not only able to work effectively around these constraints, they also ensured the project was competed on time, so the university could capitalise on pre-Christmas trade.

Fitout Connection

Focus demonstrated their ability to adapt to particular project constraints without letting them affect agreed parameters or workmanship. This flexible, connected approach makes Focus a supplier of choice for many architects.

"I got Focus involved at the very beginning. We collaborated before I'd even commenced design and they offered some excellent input. Everything went smoothly because they were so hands-on."David Toohey, Architect

The success of the project is reflected in the glowing feedback received from diners and staff, as well as the high levels of customer patronage. The project was awarded "Best New/Refurbished Facility" by ACUMA in the 2010 Awards for Excellence in Campus Service.